Take your Pick

That X-tra mile

Store name: So What,East Street

USP: Offers ready-to-wear garments in sizes of extra large and above for men and women.

When we began in August 2007,we were a bit skeptical about how the concept would do,but within two-three months we realised that there was a huge demand for such clothes,” says Raminder Singh,co-owner of So What. Singh feels that the concept is unique because it is very embarrassing for a heavy-size customer to walk in a normal store and ask for size 46 trousers. He adds,“But they are very comfortable in a shop like this because they know that the other customers who walk in into the store are also like them.”

Woof it Up

Store Name: Pawsh,Baner

USP: Provides services like pet grooming,canine hydrotherapy,training,spa treatment and more

Around three years back,when Neha Panchamiya moved to Pune,her pet dog Max was suffering from hip Dyslexia and there was no one who could treat him. “Thus I thought of opening Pawsh – a dog spa and boutique. Infact all our services were started after considering the requirements of the animals only,” adds nutritionist and co-owner,Panchamiya. Later,Panchamiya also went on to open a pet resort in Baner and also a pet-friendly café where customers can come along with their pets. Besides,they also organise dog parties. According to Sachin Deodhar,who visits Pawsh frequently with his exotic breed of dog Shih Tzu,the city needs more of such professional dog parlours.

A nail-biting experience

Store Name: Le Clinique,Koregaon Park

USP: The salon specializes in services in nail care which includes nail art,artificial gel & acrylic nails,manicure,pedicure and so on

Having stayed in Singapore for a long time when Priya Kriplani and Deepak Mehtani returned to Pune in 2006,they observed that the city does not have a nail spa,so they thought of opening one on their own. And that was how Le Clinique was set up in 2007. Kriplani feels that since people travel a lot these days,they tend to expect the same things back home. “We also observed that women in Pune like to get things done at one place,hence we later expanded into other beauty services as well.” says Kriplani.

Carrying on

Store Name: Gubbi,Aundh

USP: These retailers deal in exclusive designer garments suitable for pregnant women

While Poonam Kirloskar was pregnant she realised that she has nothing stylish to wear,when it came to going out for social gatherings,and thus the idea of opening the store – ‘Gubbi’ in Aundh,was born. “Women want to look good even during their pregnancy months. Puneites are very open to new ideas,that’s why even the concept of maternity wear has caught on well,” adds Kirloskar. Besides,Gubbi,there are other stores too in the city also which deal in maternity outfits such as Mom & Me and Mom & Baby.

(Inputs from Meenakshi Iyer)